Forgot to Pay Off your Trade In: The dealer claims to have forgotten to pay off your trade in, leaving you on the hook for the loan on your trade in.

“Mistakes” in the Contract: The contract you sign does not match the terms you agreed to.

Odometer Fraud: Illegally rolling back the odometer

Packing or Loading the Loan: Hidden terms or amounts in the contract that you did not agree to.

Resigning Paperwork Scam: A dealer tries to convince you to come back in and re-sign the paperwork (usually with changed terms)

Title Washing, Sold “As Is”: A dealer attempts to hide a car that was wrecked or a lemon and convince you to buy a car “as is”

Auto Repair Issues

This type of litigation can be challenging. It often requires an expert, who must be paid, to establish if there is some sort of fraudulent issue. In general, the easiest type of case to win is when the quote does not match or required signage is not displayed. RCW 46.71 covers a repair shops duties.

Tow Truck & Impound Issues

Tow truck drivers and companies, as well as Impound lots, have rules they must follow. See RCW 46.55. This includes required notice after the vehicle is towed, notices prior to auction, and that your vehicle should be towed to the nearest impound (not the one the tow truck driver is friendly with or owns). If you suspect a violation, give us a call to see how we can help.

True Lemon Law Basics

Dealers often try to pass off sub par vehicles onto unsuspecting consumers. However, as a consumer in Washington state, you have both state and federal rights that can protect you from such unscrupulous dealers. Under Washington State Law, you have RCW 19.118, RCW 48.110, WAC 44-10, and other consumer protection laws. Under Federal Law, you have the Magnuson-Moss Consumer Warranty Act codified as 15 U.S.C. § 2301. If you feel that you may have purchased a car that has experienced repeated malfunctions or warranty issues, call us to see how we can help.

While it is best to consult with an attorney to determine if your vehicle qualifies as a lemon, here are a few guidelines to help you pre-screen your vehicle’s situation:

Four or more repairs of the same defect

Two or more repairs of a “serious safety defect” within a 12 month period

Thirty or more days (cumulatively) of your vehicle being out of service

If you feel any of the above conditions apply, please call our office for a free initial phone consultation.

Used Car and “As Is” Car Warranty of Merchantability

Even if you buy a car used and in particular if you buy it “as is”, the vehicle must meet the warranty of merchantability. There are ways dealers can disclaim this but you may have a case under RCW 62A.2-314. Depending upon the contract and the defect, you may or may not have a case. We encourage most people to contact the Washington Attorney General, Consumer protection division first to see if a complaint can resolve the issue.

Free Phone Constultation! Call Today To See How We Can Help: (206) 535-2559

If you believe that you may have purchased a “lemon”, that a dealer has scammed you, or that your car has a significant defect that should be covered under warranty, we can help. We start with a free phone consultation to screen your situation. If it appears that there is a legal remedy for your situation, we typically are able to help you on a contingency basis. Also, under state and federal law, if you are the prevailing party any attorney fees are paid by the other side. Call today to schedule an appointment.